Google Closes 'Print Ads'

outrun

While we hoped that Print Ads would create a new revenue stream for newspapers and produce more relevant advertising for consumers, the product has not created the impact that we — or our partners — wanted. As a result, we will stop offering Print Ads on February 28. For advertisers who have campaigns already booked, we will place their ads through March 31.

Seb7

1:30 pm on Jan 21, 2009 (gmt 0)

I hadnt noticed Google had such a service. I would have used it if I had known.

[edited by: Seb7 at 1:36 pm (utc) on Jan. 21, 2009]

Gomvents

1:38 pm on Jan 21, 2009 (gmt 0)

It wasn't very good - the ads often appeared formatted incorrectly. Also I got better pricing dealing with the paper directly. Papers often tell you they won't negotiate on price, but when you state it as "I'm buying advertising in your paper for $x,#*$! and I can email you my creative right now" it works fairly well most of the time if they need to fill some spots

nealrodriguez

2:51 pm on Jan 21, 2009 (gmt 0)

in new york city, you couldn't give away newspapers; there are literally people handing out newspapers outside of the subway entrances for free; i rarely see anybody take one; mind you, these are newspapers that sell for 50 cents - new york post, daily news.

i say save them and wait until a museum buys one off of you as a early 21st century artifact

clearvision

3:37 pm on Jan 21, 2009 (gmt 0)

For news, I just get it online...saves the earth as the next day it's old news anyway, easier to just refresh a page. Ads are better served online (IMHO)

PS. I could use some newspapers for my kids craft projects though!

2clean

3:43 pm on Jan 21, 2009 (gmt 0)

Given up buying newspapers because every time I try I have to also buy a book on cookery, or knitting or cars.

wolfadeus

4:12 pm on Jan 21, 2009 (gmt 0)

Google had offered print ads? Bizarre...

adamxcl

4:54 pm on Jan 21, 2009 (gmt 0)

I kept thinking about trying it but never wanted to take the time to actually design an old fashioned print ad and sign up. I do use radio ads though. I wonder if that'll be next.

mack

4:54 pm on Jan 21, 2009 (gmt 0)

It amazes me how many people never knew it existed. I guess Google's "soft launch" wasn't quite the best approach.

Mack.

creative craig

5:12 pm on Jan 21, 2009 (gmt 0)

Newspapers are still the main source of delivering news in many places through out the world - such as here in South Africa.

I am sure they will, over time, become secondary to online news sites, but I dont see that happening anytime soon!

gawnd

6:50 pm on Jan 21, 2009 (gmt 0)

I tried to use it just last week, but was appalled at the cost. The numbers just didn't make sense to me even when I pushed my response rate estimates to the aggressive side.

MrHard

4:59 am on Jan 22, 2009 (gmt 0)

It has a slide rule where you can negotiate the cost from the standard rate, but the papers never responded or agreed unless you bid just below the standard run rate.

I did like having an ad in the paper and getting the proof of how it looked. We also got a large order in the vicinity of where the ad was run, but I never knew if it was coincidence or due to the ad.

It was just refreshing to have a change from the online advertising once in awhile.

dauction

3:03 pm on Jan 25, 2009 (gmt 0)

I still prefer the newspaper to the web for reading.. Nothing like sitting at the restaurant , cup of coffee , breakfast and the newspaper.

signor_john

3:34 pm on Jan 25, 2009 (gmt 0)

I still prefer the newspaper to the web for reading.. Nothing like sitting at the restaurant , cup of coffee , breakfast and the newspaper.

That won't change the fact that newspaper advertising revenues are declining at an accelerating rate (at least in the U.S.), and much of the decline has occurred since Google's "print ads" project was launched. Google probably decided, not unreasonably, that its resources could be used more profitably in other areas.

dauction

4:33 pm on Jan 25, 2009 (gmt 0)

Don't think for a second that Newspapers are history . (sure they'll thin out, some bankruptcies and consolidations)

I think we will see Local Newspapers become more important and more local..less of the National/International stuff and more real local stories.

Walk by a Newstand ..by a Newspaper at the Gas Station etc... and you can see immediately breaking local news that you might otherwise never knew that happened unless you went to your local newspaper web site every day..

So the Newspaper becomes an avenue for advertising itself and other local news..you pick up the paper catch the stories and if you then want the latest you go to the website ..

Think of Newspapers becoming mini billboards ..the in depth of course will be on the website